Mike Piazza's Hall of Fame Future

One of the most popular baseball players of all time, Mike Piazza, formally announced his retirement after 16 seasons. Arguably one of the greatest hitters in the game, especially as a catcher, as well as one of the most popular players, Piazza leaves an impressive career in which he played for five different teams.

Making his debut in 1992 for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Piazza didn't waste any time making an impression. In his first full season, Piazza established himself as a prolific hitter, batting .318 with 35 home-runs and 112 runs batted in. Year after year, Piazza continued to put up ridiculous offensive numbers for a catcher. In 1997, Piazza had his greatest season, batting a career high .362, with 40 home-runs and 124 runs batted in. The next year, Piazza was traded to the Florida Marlins, where he only played five games. Piazza was again traded, this time to the New York Mets, where his career and fame would reach un-paralleled heights.

Already an established player, and coming to a losing team in a big city, there was tremendous pressure and expectations put on Piazza. Quickly Piazza made his presence known, and signed a seven year deal to the Mets. This deal marked a new era for the team, and a winning team was built around Mike Piazza's power and image. Not only was he the best hitter on the Mets, but he was easily the most popular. There was finally excitement in Flushing, and fans flocked to the stadium to see number 31 put one over the fence. In 2000, Piazza was able to lead his team to the post-season, where they eventually fell to their cross town rival Yankees in the Fall Classic.

As Piazza aged, his numbers began to decline. Even though he wasn't putting up the obscene numbers he had in the past, he was still the best hitting catcher around. As time passed, Piazza's health took the hit for all those years behind the plate. After a few seasons with decreasing offensive production, Piazza sustained a devastating groin injury during the 2003 season. When he finally did return, he was not the same player. The Mets, still building a team around Piazza, quickly fell out of contention and became a laughing stock of the NL East. Still, Piazza had enough respect and popularity to remain high on every New Yorker's list. Despite his struggles, he was still one the greatest hitting catchers the game had ever seen. He solidified that statement when he overtook Carlton Fisk for all time home run leader for a catcher in the 2005 season, with the New York Mets. After the season, Piazza and the Mets parted ways. Being the franchise image for the past eight years, Piazza left with the respect and support of his teammates and fans. He finished his career last year with 427 home runs, with 396 of those while playing catcher, an all time Major League record.

While Mike Piazza is an obvious choice for the Hall of Fame, there is something that needs to be decided. Under which team should the great catcher be admitted? In the past, players were allowed to decide which team they wish to inducted under. However, it is now out of Piazza's hands. So how does one decide? While he played for five teams throughout his career, the only two obvious choices would be the Los Angeles Dodgers or the New York Mets. While he played more seasons for the Mets, his best offensive years came with the Dodgers, especially his career year in 1997. But is a player's value placed solely on his statistics, or is there more? While extremely popular in both cities, his fame reached peak levels while playing in the Big Apple. Where in LA he developed into a magnificent player, he came to NY with the expectations of changing an entire ball club, which he did. He set the tone, and helped develop New York's popularity and presence in the league. He was more than a player; he was an image and an attitude. In addition, he was in a Mets uniform when he struck his record home run.

While his career in LA in impressive to say the least, I think Mike Piazza should be remember as a New York Met. In 2012 when he becomes eligible to be on the ballot, he will certainly receive his well earned place in the Hall of Fame. It would be fitting if he could be remembered as New York Met. Either way, he will certainly be remembered as a great player and team leader who accomplished so much.

*All statistics obtained from mlb.com